Listen: Chris Witts presents Morning Devotions.

We read in Acts 3 that one day Peter and John went to the Temple, three o’clock in the afternoon—it was the hour of prayer—and they came across a lame man who wanted help.

But it’s interesting to note again Peter’s response. What was it? I have no money at all, but I give you what I have.

The man was lying at the entrance to the Temple, by the gate called ‘Beautiful’. Wouldn’t it be a natural thing to seek help from those people who were going into the Temple to pray and worship? But Peter and John, two followers of Jesus, did not ignore or pass by this man in need—others had just walked by probably annoyed by his presence.

Something better than financial help

The lame man had expected financial help—but the gospel story tells that day he received something infinitely greater: two strong legs on which to stand so that he could help himself! Perhaps some of the worshippers going into the Temple that day threw a few pennies into the poor man’s lap—it was the easiest thing to do. It salves the conscience, and they could get on with their business for the day. After all they had come to worship God.

How true of life today. It’s easy to give a quick solution to someone in need. It is far more difficult to share ourselves with our fellow man; to share our love, sympathy, and our understanding, and our religious experiences with others. I read recently, “The doors of every church should swing inward to the experience of worship and outward to the experience of service”. It’s true.

Take a few moments to look around and see people who are lonely, frustrated, disillusioned, and defeated. There are many today who have lost hope, courage and faith. And they feel forgotten by God and man, probably just as the lame man did all those years ago. Don’t these people have a right to look to Christians and the Christian church for help? If we don’t help them, who will?

Something worthwhile to share

In the story in Acts the man came to the gate Beautiful for a new lease on life. Peter and John had something really great to share with this needy man, what they had was real—it wasn’t money but they gave of themselves.

Unfortunately this is not always the case. In the Old Testament drama of Job, there are some really sad words. We read in Job 6:14-18 (CEV):

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My friends, I am desperate,
    and you should help me,…
But you are as treacherous
as streams that swell
    with melting snow,
then suddenly disappear
    in the summer heat.
I am like a caravan,
lost in the desert
    while searching for water.

Job was going through a very difficult time in his life. His faith was shaky and he was angry with God and others. But why did he feel deserted and alone? Why wasn’t he being supported by those who should have known better?

Job needed a friend who would listen and encourage him along the way—not judgemental statements and criticism. There could be a friend or family member who feels he or she is wandering in the desert. Job felt his supporters were empty streams, giving him no refreshment or hope. Maybe they were so dried up in spirit they couldn’t help him.

When Jesus spoke to the woman at the well, he said “…the water that I…give…shall be…a well of water springing up into everlasting life” (John 4:14 – KJV). If that stream has never been opened up in our souls, or if it’s sealed, then we certainly shall only be an ’empty stream’ to those who come to us seeking help.

Today, have I got something really worthwhile I can share with a needy person, apart from a few dollars?

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